Sweet Treats, Bitter Charges: Bakery Owner Rejects Plea Deal in $20K Bridge Card Fraud Case

A local online bakery owner, accused of orchestrating a $20,000 Bridge Card fraud scheme, has reportedly rejected a plea agreement that could have significantly impacted her future. Nicole Johnson, the entrepreneur behind Sweet Treats by Nicole, stands firm against allegations, opting to face the full weight of the legal system rather than compromise.

Johnson, a 39-year-old resident of Saginaw, was offered a plea deal on May 30, which she formally turned down on June 10.

This decision signals a potentially lengthy and complex legal battle ahead for the small business owner, who has been under investigation for allegedly defrauding the state's food assistance program.

The charges against Johnson are severe, including conspiracy to commit illegal use of food assistance benefits, multiple counts of illegal use of food assistance benefits, and using a computer to commit a crime.

If convicted, these charges could lead to substantial prison time, potentially up to 20 years, alongside hefty fines and restitution.

Authorities allege that Johnson's bakery business was a front for a scheme where she would illegally acquire Bridge Cards (Michigan's Electronic Benefit Transfer cards) from individuals, then process fake transactions for non-eligible items or services.

The $20,000 figure represents the total amount of state funds allegedly diverted through these illicit activities.

Following her rejection of the plea deal, Johnson is now expected to proceed towards a jury trial. The case, which has drawn attention due to its nature and the involvement of a local business, highlights the ongoing efforts by state authorities to combat fraud within public assistance programs.

Her next scheduled court appearance is a pre-trial conference, where further strategies will likely be discussed by both the prosecution and defense.